Sport

Reds set to swoop for Clarke

Crawley have identified Leon Clarke as a potential solution to their goalscoring problems.

Clarke is understood to be close to joining Reds on a season-long loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 29-year-old is available after struggling to make an impression at Molinuex following his £750,000 move from Coventry City in January.

He found the net just once in 13 appearances and is likely to have his chances limited following Wolves’ promotion to the Championship.

Boss John Gregory is keen to sign a proven marksman after Crawley managed just 48 goals in 46 league games last season – the fourth lowest in the division.

Gregory currently has no strikers in his squad with Billy Clarke released at the end of last season, Jamie Proctor turning down a new contract and Matt Tubbs returning to Bournemouth after a loan spell.

Clarke, who scored 28 goals in 43 appearances for the Sky Blues, had a previous loan spell at Crawley at the end of the 2011-12 season, scoring once in three games.

The former Sheffield Wednesday, QPR and Charlton striker would be Gregory’s third signing of the summer following the arrival of midfielder Jimmy Smith and goalkeeper Brian Jensen.